Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957)/Wayne Miller (B. 1918)

a triptych comprising Brancusi's Studio with Mlle. Pogany II by CONSTANTIN BRANCUSI and Brancusi Seated in Studio Doorway and Brancusi's Hammer by WAYNE MILLER, each flush-mounted, mounted together, framed, 1920-1945, printed circa 1948 (3 photographs in one frame)

From Constantin Brancusi to Ward Bennett, late 1940s

Gift of Ward Bennett to Lucille Jason, circa 1960

By descent to present owner, 2005

These prints, on matte-surface paper that has been flush-mounted and mounted again in a triptych arrangement on off-white board, are in generally good condition. The edges of the prints are rubbed, and there are some small losses. There is also slight age-darkening at the peripheries of the prints. On the Brancusi portrait in Studio Doorway by Wayne Miller, there is a small, faint area of discoloration in the sitter's left forearm area. There is a small tear in the large acidic mount at the right edge.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This triptych comes originally from the collection of Interior Design Hall of Fame recipient Ward Bennett (1917-2003), a multi-talented designer of furniture, houses, lighting, textiles, tableware, and more.  Bennett first studied with Constantin Brancusi in Paris in the 1930s.  As the two Wayne Miller photographs in the tripych were taken in 1945, it is likely that Bennett received these photographs in the late 1940s, when he returned to Paris to work with Le Corbusier.